How is polymyalgia rheumatica treated?

Your clinician may review morning stiffness, shoulder or hip pain, energy and everyday function at appointments. Blood tests can help monitor inflammation, although results are interpreted alongside how you feel. [Morning Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/morning-joint-stiffness/) and [Muscle Weakness](/symptoms/muscle-weakness/) can describe symptoms that need distinguishing from treatment effects or reduced activity.

Take medicine on the prescribed schedule and do not stop suddenly or change the dose without medical advice. Keep a record of symptom changes, new medicines and possible side effects. Ask about bone health, infection precautions and any monitoring arranged for you. Gentle walking, mobility work and strength practice can support function; [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can adapt these activities to your current ability.

Use pacing: break demanding tasks into smaller parts, allow recovery time and increase activity gradually. Tell your clinician if pain, stiffness or fatigue returns after a dose change, since that information helps guide the next review.

Seek urgent medical help for a new severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, visual disturbance or sudden visual loss. These symptoms can signal blood-vessel inflammation associated with PMR and should not wait for a routine appointment. Contact your treatment team promptly for severe infection symptoms, significant medication reactions or a rapid return of disabling stiffness.

Ask how response will be judged, when reviews and blood tests are expected, and how dose reductions will be handled. Clarify which side effects need urgent attention, whether you need bone protection or vaccinations, and what exercise level is appropriate while symptoms settle.